Letters to the Editor in February 2013

Read our letters to the editor for February 2013, including our Where in the Valley “Bronze Bravery” contest answer

Where in the Hudson Valley...?

Last month, we challenged readers to identify the site of this local statue of the iconic Minuteman from the War for Independence. Congrats to Stuart Ober of Woodstock, who was the first to correctly name the town that is home to this Revolutionary replica. Modeled after an identical sculpture in Massachusetts that commemorates those who fought at the Battle of Concord, this bronze farmer-turned-soldier stands at the edge of a pond in Fort Montgomery. This Orange County town takes its name from the fortification that was built there by the Continental Army in 1776, but fell to the British only a year later. Click here to identify another monument paying homage to a Revolutionary warrior — this one of Native American descent.

Water watchdog

Thanks for reminding all of us pizza fans that our unique Hudson Valley water is what makes everyone’s favorite dish truly great (“Fresh, Hot, Delicious Pizza,” January). To protect the water we need to prevent fracking in New York. Despite the companies’ rosy promises, the trail of destruction and contamination they have left behind is all too real. Save your pizza! Jessica and Todd Leland
via hvmag.com

Of North and South

While visiting my brother in Arlington, Virginia last summer, we drove past the site of the Marshall House. My first question to him was, “How did Lincoln see the flag at the top of the Marshall House all the way from Washington?” Neither of us knew until I read “War Story” (Chatter, January). Then I asked my brother why a plaque at the corner commemorates the death of Marshall House owner James W. Jackson, killed “for defending his property,” but makes no mention of his shotgun slaying of Colonel Ellsworth. My brother’s reply was “Tim, you’re in the South.”Timothy Hooley
Niskayuna, NY

Appreciative artist

I got my copy of the January issue today with the article on my stamp paintings (Chatter), thanks so much. It looks awesome, and I am looking forward to sharing it with everybody via Facebook, Tumblr, etc. And of course, good old fashioned print for my parents!Molly Rausch
New Paltz